Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters. Too bad though...

Prologue

"Ah'm so sorry, Remy," she whimpered. The pain in her chest intensified as she confessed her decision to leave the mansion. "Ah just need some space while Ah try to figure out mah powers. Ah need some time to gain more control. What the professor did for me in Australia was what Ah've always wanted. But now, Ah jus' need ta…" She stopped her rambling and tried to gauge his emotions, but other than a narrowing of the eyebrows, he revealed nothing. She stared into his crimson eyes, waiting for any sort of response. Each second of silence felt like a millennium.

"I can come along. Y' don' need t' go through dis alone chere. I love you," Remy pleaded.

The sound of his voice was so soothing, so welcoming. Yet, Rogue remained firm in her decision. As much as she wanted to have Remy by her side through this, she needed time to clear her mind. She closed her eyes.

"Ah'm sorry." With the last bit of strength she had remaining, she picked up her lone duffle bag and walked towards the door. Rogue felt a pang in her heart with each step she took. She could no longer hold back the tears as she turned the knob. "Ah love you too," she whispered before closing the door behind her.

7 months later

Rogue could hardly contain her excitement as she made the drive back to the mansion. She was so glad to be coming back. She had no contact with any of her former teammates since her departure. No one even knew about her return today. She thought about the look of surprise on everyone's face. Above everything else, she could not wait to see the look on Remy's face.

Rogue had pictured their reunion so perfectly. She imagined how his arms would hold her as she wrapped hers around him. She would tell him how she now had complete control over her powers. She would tell him how much she missed him. She would tell him how they could finally be together, just as they always desired.

As she drove up the main driveway to the mansion, she decided to park before reaching the front entrance. There was no way she would surprise anyone driving up in her Nissan Rogue. It was only fitting that she bought a car that shared her name. She was within earshot of the front door when she saw Remy open the door. As quickly as her heart jumped, she felt it sink when she realized that he wasn't alone.

Rogue quickly ducked behind one of the large trees that lined the driveway. Her curiosity worked in overdrive as she peered around the large trunk of the oak. She listened intently to their conversation, watching Remy's body intertwine with a very attractive brunette.

"So, I'll see you later," the woman giggled, giving Remy a deep kiss.

"Oui, cherie. Have fun at the mall. Be ready by 8," Remy replied, matching her affections with an even more passionate response.

The sight was more than Rogue could take. What would she do? There was no way she could return to the mansion now. Her only reason to return was to be with him. But, it was obvious that he couldn't, didn't, wait for her. It was naive of her to think that he would. No, she would just get back in her car and leave now. After all no one had even seen her yet.

"Leavin' so soon, kid?"

Logan. Rogue should have known better. She turned around to face her old friend.

"Hi, Wolvie." Rogue gave him a small smile.

"Any reason you're hiding behind trees?" She always loved how he cut right to the chase. There were no mincing words with Logan. That's why she felt comfortable asking the obvious.

"Who is she?" Rogue asked abruptly.

"Her name's Lanie. She moved into the mansion about 3 months ago. Guess her and the Cajun hit it off." Logan answered. He wasn't one to gossip, but he always felt a bit protective of Rogue.

"Ah really messed up this time," she stated. They both knew that it wasn't a question.

"It's never too late kid," Logan replied. "I'm sure one look at you, and he'll fall head over heels."

"Is he happy?" Rogue asked as she looked back to Remy and Lanie still sharing an embrace.

Logan stood silent, but finally responded. "Yeah. I think so."

That was all she needed to hear. "Logan, please don't tell anyone you saw me today."

"You not even gonna come in to say hello?" he asked, although he already knew the answer.

She just shook her head. "Ah'll be in touch soon."

"Take care of yourself," Logan called after her as she began to walk away.

Rogue turned her head slightly. It was then that Logan saw the solitary tear running down her rosy cheek. "Ah always do."

Rogue walked back to her car in silent defeat. This was not how she pictured her day would go.